I'm a fan of Hospitable.

I look for moisture around radiators/baseboards, bathroom fans, GFCI outlets, window guards, fridge door seals not cracked (tenants will never report this, your electric bill will), under-sink P-traps for slow drips.

For a long time, I have been a big fan of HCV/DCA, aka Section 8, payments but this past year has gotten me a little more cautious about the programs.

4.If you were in my shoes and wanted to take the “Small and Mighty” route — is this a good first step, or would you start differently?

I'm not a fan of putting more down in an effort to convince self there is cash flow when in fact it is your own money anyway. 

Sealing the basement floor might help   (something that soaks into concrete then hardens,   as oppposed to a paint which sits on surface and flakes off)  then clean the carpets,  there may have been dirty spots providing nutrients to the mold.Add a basement ventilation fan that runs on a timer or continously to keep humidity down.   

@Adam Bartomeo I like some of your posts btw so I am a fan from the outside..

I'm not a very big fan of syndications.

.🥜 Family Hack of the WeekPeanut butter fans, this one’s for you.

I have a few gold fans in my family and their argument has always been that gold is better than a savings account.